Springfest FAQ (Updated for 2026)
What are the dates of the event?
Sign-ups: 23 - 28 February Sign-up HERE
Writers Pick Prompts: 2 - 8 March
Matches sent/Begin working!: 14 March
2nd Check-in (to assess if pinch hitters are needed): May 3rd
What is a mini bang?
A fandom event that involves pairing up an artist and a writer to create a collaborative work. It is like a Big Bang, but with smaller word counts and a shorter time period. For this particular event, you will work on them at the same time, so please keep in touch with each other on your plans.
How does this work?
There will NOT be an AO3 form for this event. During sign-up, you will indicate if you want to be an artist or a writer.
Artists will write a description of fanart they wish to illustrate that would serve also as a writing prompt. Describe the scene and/or characters you want to include knowing it will potentially be one moment within a story.
After sign-ups, writers will be given a link to choose from a list of anonymous pitches that artists supplied. There will be more detailed instructions in the form.
Writers and artists will be paired together based on pitch selection. We will do our best to match you up with your first choices. Discuss your project plan together and make sure you align on the vision. You can alter aspects of the pitch, but you can't change the overall essence of the pitch. You can share snippets, sketches, and so on with each other but NO ONE ELSE! :3 This is a secret until May 31st!
What do we need to create?
Artists must create and complete the art piece that they pitched. A completed piece is a fully rendered, finalized artwork in your typical style, not a sketch or concept. You can work on other pieces if you want to, as long as one of them is the pitched piece.
Writers must write a fanfic based on the artist pitch they chose. Minimum word count is 3k. Maximum is 10k. You are free to go over this, but make sure your partner can manage reading the length of fic and creating their work in the amount of time you have.
What if we realize we don't like what was pitched and want to work on something else?
You are welcome to tweak and finesse the idea, but do not change it completely. All writers saw the pitches and picked what they wanted to work with based on them, so this would not be fair to that process.
How do I sign up?
Please use the Google form: Here!
Which time zone does this event use?
All the dates are for United States Eastern Time (EDT).
Where can I post my work?
Please wait until May 31st to post. You can post your work anywhere! If you post it on Tumblr, please tag us at springfest-rote, so we can reblog it! We will also post links to any remaining works on our Tumblr after a week - unless you don't want us to. In which case, please let us know! Please make sure to tag your collab partner in the post.
How do I contact my match?
The sign-up form will have a place to indicate how you would like to be contacted by your partner. They will receive this information with the match details.
Can our work involve smut/violence, etc?
Yes, as long as your collab partner agrees and you tag everything appropriately. Robin Hobb deals with dark subjects in ROTE, so it is acceptable for this event. Participants under 18 will NOT be paired with anyone requesting mature/explicit content.
What if I realize I'll miss the deadline or need to drop out?
Talk to us, the earlier the better! We can either give you an extension or call in a pinch hitter.
Do you need pinch hitters?
There is a space to indicate you'd like to help with pinch-hitting on the sign-up form. They are always welcome!
How do I contact you?
You can reach out to the askbox at springfest-rote.tumblr.com here, or in the events channel in the Realm of the Elderlings discord server.
Can I post my work early?
Please do not publicly post any work until May 31st!
